Bangladesh batter Litton Das smashed a brilliant hundred on Day 4 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday. 

The Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter who struck half century in the first innings, reached his seventh Test century with 102 off 117 deliveries, helping his team extend its advantage and put the hosts under enormous pressure.

After Litton Das scored a century and Mehidy Hasan Miraz made a half-century, Bangladesh declared their second innings at 372 for seven setting Afghanistan a target of 479 runs in the one-off Test.

In response, Afghans put on 88 runs, losing two wickets. Still, they needed 391 runs with eight wickets in hand.

Following Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim’s laying the foundation, Litton’s aggressive approach helped Bangladesh build a formidable target and strengthen their position in the match.

Litton came to the crease with Bangladesh looking to build on their advantage after a strong partnership between Shanto and Mushfiqur. The experienced batter showed excellent composure before shifting gears, finding the boundaries regularly and keeping the scoreboard moving. He reached the three-figure mark in just 117 balls, striking 14 boundaries without hitting a six.

His innings combined calculated aggression with smart shot selection, ensuring Afghanistan’s bowlers could not build sustained pressure during the session. Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided excellent support at the other end, scoring an unbeaten half-century. The pair added 114 runs without losing a wicket during the opening session of Day 4.

Bangladesh’s second-innings total was built on important contributions from across the batting order. Shanto scored 82, while Mushfiqur added 81, with their 159-run partnership helping the visitors recover after losing early wickets. 

The hosts had earlier struggled against Bangladesh’s bowling attack in their first innings. Rahmat Shah top-scored with an unbeaten 105, but Hasan Mahmud dismantled the lower order with figures of 5/51, including a hat-trick.

Resuming the day at 223-6, they kept the side unscathed through the whole first session as Bangladesh scored 114 runs in this session, keeping Afghan bowlers completely at bay.

In the process, Liton brought up his half-century to hit back to form after a disappointing performance in the recently concluded Asian Games T20 event where he scored duck in both matches Bangladesh played.

Miraz, however, gave him the ably support to keep Bangladesh rolling, going into the second session.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 346 in the first innings before a sublime bowling effort of Hasan Mahmud including a hat-trick saw Bangladesh wrapped up Afghans for 240 and earn a massive 106-run lead.

Bangladesh XI: Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam and Ebadot Hossain.